All articles by Devin Gannon

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka sell Harlem townhouse listed for $7.3M

All photos courtesy of Will Ellis / DDreps

May 25, 2022

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka sell Harlem townhouse listed for $7.3M

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka found a buyer this month for their five-story Harlem townhouse, which first hit the market last August for $7,325,000. As first reported by the New York Post, the home at 2036 Fifth Avenue is in contract for more than $7,100,000, likely setting a new record for a townhouse sale in the Upper Manhattan neighborhood. The home, constructed in 1908 as a bed-and-breakfast, measures 8,000 square feet and 20 feet wide.
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Giant ‘No Quit in New York’ letters pop up across NYC to show support for Rangers playoff run

All photos courtesy of MSG Sports

May 24, 2022

Giant ‘No Quit in New York’ letters pop up across NYC to show support for Rangers playoff run

By Devin Gannon

The New York Rangers are on the hunt for the team's fifth Stanley Cup, facing off this week against the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round. To keep fans excited about the playoff run, the hockey team is painting New York City blue with viewing parties, prizes, giveaways, appearances by alumni, and photo experiences. Giant letters spelling the Rangers' appropriate motto for the season, "No Quit in New York," have popped up across Manhattan, perfect for a pre-game photo op.
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New exhibit at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden features dozens of birdhouses made by artists and architects

Photo © Brooklyn Botanic Garden

May 23, 2022

New exhibit at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden features dozens of birdhouses made by artists and architects

By Devin Gannon

An outdoor exhibition featuring dozens of artist-made birdhouses will open at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden next month. Debuting on June 11, "For the Birds" highlights the connection between birds, plants, and the importance of protecting plant ecosystems. The installation coincides with the release of "For the Birds: The Birdsong Project," a multi-album collection of original songs and readings inspired by birds compiled by music supervisor Randall Poster.
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The Sill’s 10th birthday sale includes up to 30% off best-selling houseplants

All photos courtesy of The Sill

May 20, 2022

The Sill’s 10th birthday sale includes up to 30% off best-selling houseplants

By Devin Gannon

In celebration of its 10th birthday, The Sill, the direct-to-consumer houseplant company, is hosting a major sale event on some of its best-selling plants and planters. The company got its start in New York in 2012 with the idea that "plants make people happy," and has since expanded to several other cities, including Los Angeles, Boston, and Chicago. During the month of May, use the code BIRTHDAY to take 10 percent off one item, 20 percent off two items, and 30 percent off three or more items in the birthday sale collection, which includes favorites like the fiddle leaf fig, snake plant, and philodendron.
It's house plant season

Shop

Teens take over the Met Museum with free art-making, silent dance parties, selfies, and more

Epic Theatre performs in the Velez Blanco Patio at The Met. Teens Take The Met! Fall 2019. Photo credit: Filip Wolak.

May 19, 2022

Teens take over the Met Museum with free art-making, silent dance parties, selfies, and more

By Devin Gannon

Teens will take over the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Friday for an evening full of free creative and educational events. "Teens Take the Met!" takes place at the Upper East Side museum on May 20 and offers a jam-packed schedule of art-making, music and dance, theater, and more, including a silent dance party in the Temple of Dendur and dance lessons from Ballet Hispánico. Welcoming teens aged 13 to 18, the event returns as an on-site experience for the first time since 2019.
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Events & Things To Do

Interior designer Muriel Brandolini lists attractive UES townhouse for $9.5M

All photos by Yoo Jean Han for Sotheby’s International Realty

May 19, 2022

Interior designer Muriel Brandolini lists attractive UES townhouse for $9.5M

By Devin Gannon

Celebrated interior designer and decorator Muriel Brandolini is selling her four-story brownstone on the Upper East Side for $9,500,000. Brandolini, known for her "modernist-tropical" style reflective of her French-Vietnamese upbringing, decorated her home at 167 East 80th Street with art, patterns, and statement lighting, creating highly-livable spaces on every floor. Outside, a long private rear garden surrounded by bamboo gives the home a vacation vibe.
See inside

Distinctive Homes

Nick Cave’s vibrant ‘Soundsuits’ subway station mosaics capture the energy of Times Square

All photos courtesy of MTA/Trent Reeves, unless otherwise noted

May 17, 2022

Nick Cave’s vibrant ‘Soundsuits’ subway station mosaics capture the energy of Times Square

By Devin Gannon

Two new mosaics by the artist Nick Cave were unveiled in Times Square on Monday, completing a permanent artwork and marking the largest mosaic project in New York City's subway system. Commissioned by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's public art program, the artwork, titled "Each One, Every One, Equal All," features Cave's wearable sculpture works "Soundsuits" translated into 4,600 square feet of colorful mosaic. The new artwork is part of a larger revamp of the 42nd Street station, including a new entrance and upgraded mezzanine level.
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East Village speakeasy PDT opens pop-up on 86th floor of the Empire State Building

Photo courtesy of the Empire State Building

May 13, 2022

East Village speakeasy PDT opens pop-up on 86th floor of the Empire State Building

By Devin Gannon

One of New York City's favorite speakeasies has opened at one of the world's most famous buildings. PDT (Please Don't Tell)--the cocktail bar hidden behind a phone booth in the East Village hot dog joint Crif Dogs--is operating a pop-up on the 86th-floor of the Empire State Building this month. In addition to enjoying sweeping city views and stellar signature drinks, guests can chow down on hot dogs from Crif Dogs.
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Food & Dining

Concrete floors and metal cladding make this $1.5M New Jersey home a modernist lover’s dream

Photos by Wiebke Martens unless otherwise noted

May 12, 2022

Concrete floors and metal cladding make this $1.5M New Jersey home a modernist lover’s dream

By Devin Gannon

For lovers of the sharp, streamlined design and open floorplans of modern architecture, this newly listed New Jersey home may be a perfect fit. Located just minutes from Princeton University, the property at 4580 Province Line Road consists of a 2,400-square-foot contemporary-style house, clad in metal and anchored by a central courtyard. Asking $1,499,000, the flexible two-bedroom home was designed by the New York City-based architects at Leven Betts.
Tour the home

Distinctive Homes

The 92nd Street Y rebrands as 92NY and kicks off $200M redevelopment

All renderings courtesy of Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners LLP

May 11, 2022

The 92nd Street Y rebrands as 92NY and kicks off $200M redevelopment

By Devin Gannon

A New York institution is getting a makeover---and a new name. The 92nd Street Y announced on Tuesday it has rebranded to 92nd Street Y, New York (with a nickname of 92NY), as part of a post-pandemic transformation that also involves a major revamp and new online programs. This month, a $200 million redevelopment of the organization's Upper East Side home at 1395 Lexington Avenue led by Beyer Blinder Belle will begin, starting with a renovation of its public performance space, a new dance center, and improvements to the gym.
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A new Caribbean market and food hall will celebrate its grand opening in Flatbush this weekend

By Devin Gannon

A beloved Caribbean market in Brooklyn is hosting a grand opening event this weekend, celebrating the return to its original home. The Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace, formerly known as Flatbush Caton Market, will host a weekend-long party with shopping, live music, food tastings, dance performances, panel discussions, art classes, and more, starting on Friday, May 13 through Saturday, May 14. The marketplace sits on the ground floor of Caton Flats, a new 14-story mixed-use development on 800 Flatbush Avenue that replaced the former market.
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Events & Things To Do

NYC subway ridership hits highest level since start of Covid

Photo by Jenna Day on Unsplash

May 10, 2022

NYC subway ridership hits highest level since start of Covid

By Devin Gannon

Ridership on the New York City subway reached a new pandemic-era milestone last week, the Metropolitan Transporation Authority announced. On Thursday, 3,497,122 riders swiped into the system, surpassing the last record set during the pandemic in December 2021. While the new record is a positive sign for the city's recovery, Thursday's ridership is still well below the 2019 weekday average of 5.5 million straphangers.
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$500M One Times Square revamp includes outdoor viewing deck, museum, and even more ads

All renderings courtesy of Jamestown

May 6, 2022

$500M One Times Square revamp includes outdoor viewing deck, museum, and even more ads

By Devin Gannon

One of the most valuable advertising locations in the world will cash in on its prime location even further. One Times Square, home of the New Year's Eve ball drop, will undergo a $500 million redevelopment to become a new visitor center with a viewing deck, museum, and 12 floors of interactive "branded" experiences, developer Jamestown announced on Friday. While the 26-story building, located at 42nd Street and 7th Avenue, has been vacant for years, its exterior is covered in giant billboards. As part of the half-a-billion-dollar project, advertisers will be able to reach more consumers through immersive "digital, virtual, and augmented reality integrations" inside One Times Square.
Details here

Lottery opens for 80 units at Morris Adjmi’s new Clinton Hill tower, from $1,320/month

Renderings courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

May 5, 2022

Lottery opens for 80 units at Morris Adjmi’s new Clinton Hill tower, from $1,320/month

By Devin Gannon

A 29-story mixed-use tower in Brooklyn designed by Morris Adjmi Architects is now accepting applications for 80 affordable apartments. Located on the corner of Atlantic and Clinton Avenues in Clinton Hill, 539 Vanderbilt Avenue (also known as 550 Clinton Avenue), contains 284 total apartments and 60,000 square feet of commercial space. New Yorkers earning 70, 80, and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, priced from $1,320/month studios to $3,897/month three-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

$12M Flatiron penthouse has two levels of outstanding year-round outdoor space

Photos provided by Sotheby’s International Realty

May 5, 2022

$12M Flatiron penthouse has two levels of outstanding year-round outdoor space

By Devin Gannon

This luxury penthouse in the Flatiron District takes urban outdoor living to new heights. The three-bedroom duplex at 21 West 20th Street boasts nearly 1,000 square feet of private outdoor space that stretches across two levels and includes a six-person hot tub, built-in kitchen, outdoor shower, and unobstructed city views. Thanks to heated floors, heat lamps, and a gas fireplace, the space can be enjoyed year-round. The penthouse is now asking $11,995,000.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

NYC gives billionaire Bill Ackman green light to build rooftop penthouse on Central Park West

All renderings designed by Foster+ Partners, courtesy of the Landmarks Preservation Commission

May 3, 2022

NYC gives billionaire Bill Ackman green light to build rooftop penthouse on Central Park West

By Devin Gannon

Billionaire Bill Ackman is getting his Central Park-facing rooftop glass penthouse designed by Norman Foster after all. The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday approved plans from the hedge fund founder to build a glass penthouse addition on top of a 100-year-old Upper West Side co-op building where he owns an apartment. First presented last November as a two-level glass box on the roof of 6-16 West 77th Street, the approved proposal includes a scaled-down design and more muted materials.
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Plan to convert vacant hotels into affordable housing backed by Mayor Adams

Photo by Dimitry Anikin on Unsplash

May 2, 2022

Plan to convert vacant hotels into affordable housing backed by Mayor Adams

By Devin Gannon

Mayor Eric Adams on Sunday called on Albany to pass legislation that makes it easier for New York City to convert vacant and underused hotels into affordable housing. Introduced earlier this year by Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz and State Sen. Brian Kavanagh, the bill creates an exemption to zoning rules that require developers to undergo the city's lengthy land use review process or complete major renovations for hotels to become permanent housing. While the idea of converting hotels into housing has been floated by lawmakers for years without getting off the ground, the city's growing housing and homelessness crises have renewed a push from officials.
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The Q70 bus to LaGuardia Airport will now be free year-round

Photo by Tdorante10 on Wikimedia

April 27, 2022

The Q70 bus to LaGuardia Airport will now be free year-round

By Devin Gannon

While getting to LaGuardia Airport via mass transit won't get easier any time soon, at least it won't cost anything for some travelers. During a Metropolitan Transportation Authority board meeting on Wednesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the Q70 bus, known as the LaGuardia Link, will be free year-round to travelers starting May 1.
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Transit

30 Rock’s new ‘skylift’ observation platform and rooftop ride approved by Landmarks

All renderings courtesy of Tishman Speyer

April 26, 2022

30 Rock’s new ‘skylift’ observation platform and rooftop ride approved by Landmarks

By Devin Gannon

A popular New York City observation deck will soon offer a new point of view. The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved plans for several upgrades to the Top of the Rock at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, including a rotating ride, a rooftop beacon, and a new "skylift" viewing platform that takes visitors above the 70th floor and offers uninterrupted 360-degree views.
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Policy

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen’s $18M Nolita home finds buyer

All photos courtesy of Tina Gallo

April 20, 2022

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen’s $18M Nolita home finds buyer

By Devin Gannon

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen have sold their two penthouses in Nolita, CityRealty first reported. The over 6,100-square-foot, six-bedroom spread is located at 374 Broome Street, a landmarked six-story former carriage house converted in 2005 into a nine-unit condominium. The couple listed the two apartments, which occupy the full sixth floor and half of the fifth floor, in January for $18 million.
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New two-acre rooftop public park opens at Pier 57 in Chelsea

Photo Credit: Brett Beyer

April 19, 2022

New two-acre rooftop public park opens at Pier 57 in Chelsea

By Devin Gannon

More than 10 years and over $400 million later, an 80,000-square-foot public park is now open on the rooftop of Pier 57 in Hudson River Park. Formerly a maritime port and bus depot, the pier has been transformed into a mixed-use development with office space for Google and a new food hall curated by the James Beard Foundation. The new two-acre green space, the largest of its kind in New York City, will be open to the public daily from 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
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Real Estate Trends

April 15, 2022

10 fun things to do near Citi Field

By Devin Gannon

If you're headed to a Mets game at Citi Field this season, take advantage of being in one of the most ethnically diverse urban areas in the world and plan some pre- or post-ball game activities. The Queens ballpark sits next to the enormous Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, home to World's Fair relics, museums, and a seasonal open-air night market. Whether it's touring Louis Armstrong's home in Corona, eating your way through Jackson Heights, or visiting the oldest living organism in New York City, there is no shortage of fun things to do near Citi Field, in addition to cheering on the Amazin' Mets.
More this way

Events & Things To Do

JPMorgan’s 60-story Midtown East tower will be NYC’s largest all-electric skyscraper

Rendering: dbox / Foster + Partners

April 14, 2022

JPMorgan’s 60-story Midtown East tower will be NYC’s largest all-electric skyscraper

By Devin Gannon

JPMorgan Chase on Thursday unveiled the design for its massive new global headquarters in Midtown East, set to become one of New York City's tallest buildings. Roughly three years after the project was approved by the city and a year after construction began, fresh renderings show off the Foster + Partners-designed tower at 270 Park Avenue, which will soar nearly 1,400 feet and be all-electric. The building, which will house up to 14,000 employees, boasts a unique "fan-column" structure that is lifted about 80 feet above street level as well as a new public plaza on Madison Avenue.
See the supertall

After Sunset Park shooting, Adams ‘doubles’ number of police officers on subway

Photo courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

April 13, 2022

After Sunset Park shooting, Adams ‘doubles’ number of police officers on subway

By Devin Gannon

Mayor Eric Adams said he will double the number of police officers patrolling the transit system after a mass shooting at a subway station in Sunset Park left over two dozen people injured. Police on Wednesday identified 62-year-old Frank James as the suspect; they believe James detonated a smoke device and began shooting on an N train during rush hour Tuesday morning. The additional deployment comes after Adams deployed 1,000 additional officers earlier this year because of a recent uptick in crime on the subway.
More here

Trump Organization can keep running Bronx golf course, judge rules

Photo by Dan DeLuca on Flickr

April 11, 2022

Trump Organization can keep running Bronx golf course, judge rules

By Devin Gannon

A judge on Friday said the Trump Organization can continue to operate its golf course in the Bronx, ruling the city wrongfully ended the company's contract. A few days after the January 6 insurrection, former Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans to terminate several agreements with Donald Trump's company, including the contract for Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point. Last June, the Trump Organization sued New York City, arguing the city's effort was politically motivated and had no legal merit.
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Policy

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